An emotional song sung by an idol—tear-jerking tracks filled with a range of feelings.
If you’re an idol fan, you probably have a few favorite songs that move you to tears whenever you hear them.
Beyond the lyrics themselves, there are many songs that move us because of the stories behind them—like the members’ feelings infused into the music and their live performances.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of touching songs by idols all at once.
Each track has its own story, so be sure to listen while reading the lyrics.
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A moving song sung by an idol. Tear-jerking tracks filled with a range of emotions (71–80)
graduation tripNMB48
Released in March 2015, this NMB48 song is a heartwarming piece that cherishes bonds with friends and shared memories.
It portrays scenes of looking out at the passing landscape from a train while reflecting on the time spent together, accompanied by gentle piano tones.
Blending the hopeful glow of a faintly lit future with the bittersweet feeling of setting off on separate paths, the track achieves a harmonious balance.
It was included as a coupling track for “Don’t look back!” and is also featured on the album “Namba Ai ~Ima, Omou Koto~.” It is sure to resonate with those bidding farewell to graduating friends or parting from someone special.
The meaning of goodbyeNogizaka 46
This song portrays the hope that awaits beyond a heartrending farewell, carried by warm piano melodies.
Released by Nogizaka46 in November 2016, it is a memorable track in which Nanami Hashimoto served as center for the first time.
It was performed at the 67th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, moving the hearts of many.
It is a gentle, comforting piece that quietly supports those who have experienced parting from someone dear, or who are about to take a new step forward.
When the fleabanes bloomNogizaka 46
A warm song by Nogizaka46 that gently embraces the farewells and encounters of spring.
Like the white-blossoming fleabane (Harujion), it serves as a symbol of departures and new beginnings, expressing the bittersweet feelings of parting through a beautiful melody.
Released in March 2016, the track was featured in commercials for sizebook and the smartphone game Nogikoi, and became a major hit, debuting at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart with first-week sales of 740,000 copies.
It’s a heartwarming piece that offers comfort to those experiencing graduation or farewells, as well as to those welcoming new connections with loved ones.
antinomyamazarashi
The two-piece rock band amazarashi, known for their impactful, message-driven worldview themed around “How many songs are there now that you want to listen to while reading the lyrics?”, has been gaining attention.
Their 8th single Antinomy, written as the ending theme for the TV anime NieR:Automata Ver1.1a, features an ensemble with depth and a floating quality that truly stirs the heart.
The lyrics, which depict a reality that doesn’t go the way we hope, resonate with the anime while likely striking a chord with many listeners.
It’s an emotional, lyrical rock tune characterized by a wistful vocal delivery and melody.
10-year cherry blossomsAKB48
This song gently portrays themes of cherry blossom season—graduation, departure, and the promise of reunion.
Released by AKB48 in March 2009, it pairs a refreshing melody with lyrics that brightly sing of hope for the future.
Rich in storytelling, it centers on a promise to meet again in ten years, beautifully capturing both the bittersweetness and anticipation of graduation season.
It’s a perfect track to listen to at school graduation ceremonies, reunions, or moments of parting with dear friends.
As spring arrives, let this warm, comforting song accompany your heart.
Love, I’m checkmated.AKB48
AKB48, a female idol group born in 2005 and based in Akihabara, introduced the innovative format of “theater performances” to Japan’s music scene.
Centered on J-pop and idol pop, they also showcase a wide musical range, including rock and ballads.
They have released a steady stream of singles and albums, setting numerous records on the Oricon charts.
The group has appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and has won many music awards, including the Japan Record Awards.
Produced by Yasushi Akimoto, they launched the groundbreaking “General Election,” in which fans vote.
Without ever disbanding, the group continues to deliver a fresh appeal by repeatedly welcoming new members and graduating others.
AKB48, which brought a fresh breeze to idol culture, is recommended for those who enjoy lively, upbeat songs and dances.
I want to become a cherry blossom tree.AKB48
A gentle medium-tempo ballad by AKB48 that portrays the beauty of spring and memories of graduation.
As it likens eternal love watching over those who set out on a new journey to a cherry tree, it warmly sings of the courage and hope to take the first step forward.
Depicting the touching image of young people heading toward a bright future while carrying their anxieties, this work was released in February 2011.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “A Letter from the Cherry Blossoms” and also gained attention as a CM song for UHA Mikakuto.
With a message perfect for graduation season and a gentle melody line that evokes the arrival of spring, it will wrap you in the desire to revel in cherished memories.